'Sons of Anarchy' renewed for fifth season by FX

The critically-acclaimed drama has been ordered for 13 new episodes when it airs next year. Its current fourth season is one of cable television's highest-rated shows.

The season four premiere episode was the highest-rated drama in cable history, until The Walking Dead's season two premiere this week.

FX president John Landgraf announced in a statement: "Everyone at FX is very grateful to Kurt Sutter, his many writing, directing and producing collaborators and his masterful cast for making such a compelling and beautifully crafted show.

"It is no small challenge to bring the themes of a great, ancient play like Hamlet into a wholly original television setting and to tell this complex story in a way that is both riveting and accessible to a broad audience. The fans know how beautifully SOA meets this challenge, and we thank them for their loyal and passionate viewership."